Costco’s return policy is known for its leniency, allowing members to return many items without hassle. However, there are some exceptions to this policy. Here is a detailed list of items you cannot return at Costco:
Alcohol and Tobacco
Legal restrictions prevent the return of cigarettes and alcohol at Costco, making these items non-returnable regardless of the circumstances. This ensures compliance with state and federal laws governing the sale of these products.
Custom Products
Items that have been personalized or custom-ordered, such as custom jewelry or special-order products, cannot be returned. This includes items like photo center keepsakes and custom cakes. Customization ensures that these products are uniquely tailored to individual preferences, making them unsuitable for resale.
Electronics
Electronics, including televisions, computers, tablets, smartwatches, cameras, and drones, must be returned within 90 days of purchase. After this period, these items are non-returnable. This timeframe allows customers to adequately test and evaluate the product’s performance while ensuring Costco manages returns efficiently.
Major Appliances
Similar to electronics, major appliances such as refrigerators, washers, dryers, and dishwashers must be returned within 90 days. After this period, Costco will not accept returns for these items. The limited return window helps manage the significant depreciation and wear these products can undergo.
Diamonds Over 1.00 Carat
Diamonds larger than 1.00 carat have specific return conditions. You must provide all original paperwork, and the return process involves authentication. After that, you receive a Jewelry Credit Memo instead of a direct refund. This policy helps verify the authenticity and condition of the high-value item before processing the return.
Limited Warranty Items
Items like tires and car batteries come with limited warranties that specify return conditions. These items cannot be returned once the warranty period has expired or the conditions are not met. This ensures that customers adhere to maintenance requirements and warranty terms provided at the time of purchase.
Perishable Goods
While Costco allows returns of many food items, certain perishable goods, such as fresh flowers and plants, are non-returnable due to their short shelf lives and inability to be resold.
Gift Cards
Costco and third-party gift cards are non-returnable. Once purchased, these cards cannot be refunded or exchanged. This policy is common across retailers to prevent fraud and misuse of gift cards.
Cell Phones
Cell phones must be returned within 90 days of purchase. Returns are also subject to the specific return policy of the carrier (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile) through which the phone was purchased. This ensures compliance with contractual obligations and prevents the misuse of the return policy.
Open Software
Opened software packages are not eligible for return. If the software package has been opened, it cannot be returned for a refund. This policy helps prevent piracy and unauthorized distribution of software.
Travel Packages
Travel packages, including airline tickets and hotel reservations purchased through Costco Travel, are only partially refundable. No-shows and unused reservations are entirely non-refundable. This policy aligns with industry standards and contractual agreements with travel service providers.
Live Performance Tickets
Tickets for live events, such as concerts and sports games, purchased through Costco are non-refundable. These are final sale items and cannot be returned or exchanged. This policy helps manage inventory and ensure the validity of event attendance.
Personal Care Items
Personal care items like cosmetics and skincare products cannot be returned if they have been opened or used. These items are final sale due to hygiene reasons. This policy ensures all customers’ health and safety by preventing potentially contaminated products’ resale.
Health and Safety Items
Due to hygiene concerns and regulations, items related to health and safety, such as face masks and gloves, are non-returnable. This ensures that these critical items remain safe for use and uncontaminated.
Seasonal Items
Seasonal items, such as holiday decorations, may have restricted return windows or be non-returnable after the season ends. Always check the return policy for these items at the time of purchase. This helps manage inventory and sales cycles for time-sensitive products.
Books
Opened books are not eligible for return. If the book has been opened or read, it cannot be returned for a refund. This policy helps maintain the integrity and condition of books sold to other customers.
Limited Time Offer Items
Items purchased during limited-time promotions or special sales may have different return policies. These items are often non-returnable or have a restricted return window. This policy manages the special pricing and limited availability of promotional products.
Live Plants
Live plants and trees are generally non-returnable due to their perishable nature and the potential for rapid deterioration. This policy ensures that only healthy, viable plants are sold to customers.
Services and Installations
Services and installations purchased through Costco, such as home improvement services, are non-returnable. These transactions are typically final sale. This policy helps manage the specialized nature and labor costs associated with these services.
Custom Jewelry
Custom-made jewelry pieces cannot be returned. This ensures that items tailored to specific preferences are final sale, maintaining the integrity and uniqueness of these custom products.
